Impact of Middle East Tensions on Geopolitics in Southeast Asia
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Christopher de Souza's inquiry into the impact of escalating Middle East tensions on Southeast Asian geopolitics and the Ministry’s preparations. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted the risk of a wider regional conflagration and detailed ASEAN’s collective calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, hostage release, and respect for international law. He noted that while ASEAN member states have different national perspectives, they share common views on supporting a two-state solution and delivering humanitarian aid. Singapore remains active in conveying assistance to Gaza and voted in favour of relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan emphasized Singapore’s commitment to ensuring these developments do not undermine its close partnerships with fellow ASEAN Member States.
Transcript
6 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) how the escalation of tension in the Middle East will impact geopolitics in the Southeast Asia region; and (b) how is the Ministry preparing for it.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Southeast Asia has been affected by the escalation of armed conflicts in the Middle East since the Hamas’ terrorist attack on 7 October 2023, Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza and the consequential dire humanitarian situation. There is also a heightened risk of a wider regional conflagration with global economic impact.
In October 2023, the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers issued a Statement on the Recent Escalation of Armed Conflict in the Middle East. They urged the “immediate end of violence to avoid further human casualties”. Further, they called for “the full respect of International Humanitarian Law” and for “safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors”. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers strongly condemned the “acts of violence which have led to the deaths and injury of civilians, including ASEAN nationals”. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
In December 2023, all ASEAN Member States voted in favour of the United Nations General Assembly 10th Emergency Special Session resolution which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Several ASEAN Member States, including Singapore, are also conveying urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Naturally, ASEAN Member States have different national perspectives. But on the core issues – the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, the need for humanitarian assistance to flow, and support for a two-state solution – ASEAN Member States share common views. With mutual understanding and respect, as well as a spirit of compromise, ASEAN has usually been able to find consensus on difficult issues.
On Singapore’s part, we remain committed to ensuring that developments in the Middle East do not affect the close partnerships we share with fellow ASEAN Member States.